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For more information on wildlife viewing, please contact WDFW Wildlife Program.

Phone: 360-902-2515
E-mail: wildthing@dfw.wa.gov

Found Injured Wildlife?

Contact a local
Wildlife Rehabilitator

 
For more information contact a WDFW Regional Office


 


What is Watchable Wildlife?
Watchable wildlife includes a wide array of state animals, some as common as a familiar bird at a backyard feeder, some briefly passing through on seasonal migrations, some rarely-seen species that provide the dedicated viewer with a reward for hours of patient waiting.

Besides the animals themselves, watchable wildlife describes an increasingly popular pursuit for many residents. Wildlife viewing is a pastime that can be enjoyed in any season, in any corner of the state, by any age group. Unlike some activities, special equipment is not required. Wildlife watchers need to come equipped only with a sense of appreciation for the state's living resources and the knowledge of where to look for them. We hope you will find this site helpful in meeting that need.

If you have questions or comments please e-mail wildthing@dfw.wa.gov

WildWatchCams SalmonCam BatCam HeronCam WildWatchCams Home SalmonCam OwlCam OspreyCam OspreyCam BlueBirdCam EagleCam

Wild Washington Minute
Wildlife Watching

Wildlife viewing is at its very best in Washington.
Here is how to get more out of the experience.
Winter Viewing

There's a lot of wildlife to see during Washington's winters.
Take this cross county ski tour as we look for the tracks of local wildlife.
 
Partner Agencies
Washington State Tourism Office - experiencewa.com
Washington Parks and Recreation
Scenic Byways - WSDOT
Washington Audubon Society
Washington Department of Natural Resources
USDA Forest Service Nature Watch
   
Where and How to View Wildlife
WDFW Weekender Report
Wildlife Areas
Water Access Sites
Visit the Chum Salmon at Piper's Creek
Guides & Maps
Northcentral Washington Viewing Map for Highway 97
Western Washington Viewing Map for Interstate 5
Scuba Diving in Washington
Yakima Area Wildlife Viewing Guide
Birding In and Around Klickitat County
Great Washington State Birding Trail
Washington's Tidelands
Crossing Paths Newsletter
WDFW Image Gallery
Orca Whales and Boating Regulations
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary
Watching Washington Birds (Activity Booklet)
Responsible Marine Wildlife Viewing
Marine Wildlife Viewing Guidelines
Washington State Accessible Outdoor Recreation Guide
Accessing Washington's Outdoors (ADA)
 
Binocular highway signs mark hundreds of wildlife viewing areas, many described in state guidebooks.
 
Ross' gull at Palmer Lake, WA Ross' gull at Palmer Lake, WA
WDFW biologist Jeff Heinlen discusses the Ross' gull on Palmer Lake, and the benefits to our local economy of the bird watchers that are now coming into the area to catch a glimpse of this bird.
Listen to audio Stream MP3 Audio | Download MP3 File
(Courtesy North Cascades Broadcasting, Inc.)

• Rare Ross's gull spotted in Okanogan County


How You Can Help
Found injured wildlife?
Attracting widlife to your backyard
Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary, projects, plans, and more...
Wildlife Viewing Ethics
Love wild birds? Keep your cat indoors
Purchase a Watchable Wildlife Decal Package
Wildlife License Plates
Help Support Wildlife Activities in Washington
Five new license plate backgrounds to choose from, featuring some of the state’s premier wildlife species. Proceeds from the sale of the plates go to improving management for these and other wildlife species as well as improving conservation and recreation programs related to wildlife in Washington. Now, you can combine BOTH a wildlife background and a personalized message!
Buy Your Plate Today!

 

The Weekender Report Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Program
Purchase a Watchable Wildlife Decal Discover Pass
Other Wildlife Viewing Links
Seattle Audubon's Society
- BirdWeb: Online guide to the birds
- BirdNote: Radio shows about the birds
Mammals of Washington
National Park Service
Recreation.Gov
Washington Birding Hotspots
Trumpeter Swan Society
Westport Seabirds
Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival
Falcon Research Group
Nature of the Northwest
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Washington Ornithological Society
Washington Trails Association
National Wildlife Refuge System
Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition
GORP - Washington
Teaming With Wildlife
Moorage and Boat Launch Sites - RCO
Watchable Wildlife Inc.
National Parks of the Pacific Northwest
Washington Nature Weekends
NMFS Northwest Region Marine Mammal Information
Orca Network